Pictures

Anyone who would like to see Christmas or New Years pictures of our family and what we did can go Here to see it all. Enjoy!

Christmas Joys

Christmas lights, sweets, greenery, singing,

candles, cookies, ornaments, bells ringing.

Gifts that are given and received too,

some re-gifting or buying them new.
Wrapping paper spread over the floor,
bows, ribbons, tape, name tags galore.
Being with friends and family each year,
sharing with one another Christmas cheer.
Remember the center of our celebration--
Christ Jesus coming for our salvation.

Merry Christmas!

Poison in Your Mouth - Part 2

Are you a roaring forest fire?! Like the forest fire being started by just a spark, a word spoken can have that same domino effect. One person speaks a harsh word to someone and then that person, in turn, speaks sinfully to someone else and it can continue throughout families, churches, or communities. On the other hand, think of the power there is in a kind word, focusing on what is encouraging to another person. That person will hopefully be influenced to speak a kind word to someone else, and so on. I think we would all choose the latter words if we could. Does this mean that we never tell someone of their sin? No, it is often necessary to speak the truth in love. It takes great wisdom from the Lord to choose appropriate words that will bring godly correction.

The gospel is at the center of the book of James. He says (James 3:2) that one who can control their words is a perfect person. Here is that same word from James 1:4, meaning “complete” and “mature.” As Christians, our goal is to be mature in Christ, and by trusting in the Lord, He is bringing that growth to our lives. It might not be, in our estimation fast enough, but God is faithful and is continually at work. We will not be sinless in this life, but it points us to the One, Jesus Christ, who didn’t sin with His tongue. He always said what was necessary for the right moment. We need our Savior’s help continually. He has given us the Holy Spirit as our teacher and guide. That’s great news!

The words from James 1:19, “So then my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,” is essential for guarding our tongues. I know times when I haven’t slowed down to think before blurting out something, and I’ve been sorry afterwards. Remember Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” When emotions are high it is an opportune time to slow down, listen and think of soft answers. This can’t be done in our own strength, so James 1:5-6 is important; the Lord promises to give us wisdom if we ask in faith. It might come in the short version of -- “Lord, HELP!” May we bring refreshing springs to a heated discussion instead of more fire.

Is Poison in Your Mouth?

James 3: 1-12 comes right after speaking about genuine faith- “faith without works is dead." The use of our tongue is another evidence of whether we have that genuine faith or not. James doesn’t mince words, especially when writing about the tongue. He says, “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” He also says, “it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” This gets our attention!

Speaking ungodly comes out of what’s inside us-"...each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires...when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin..." (James 1:14-15) James gives us a picture of a ship being controlled by its rudder or a horse being led by the bit. The tongue, in the same way, will move the rest of a person. Our words effect our emotions, thoughts, and actions. You’ve probably seen the person who, after speaking harshly, has that hardened look on his face. It can’t be avoided.

Hypocritical words or tone of voice also come from our lips; such as-- one minute we can be yelling at the kids, and the next we can answer the phone so sweetly. Or we go to worship on Sundays, and the next day belittle others. James says a spring cannot produce bitter and fresh water. In the same way, the mature Christian cannot have both cursing and blessing come out of his mouth. "...no man can tame the tongue."

To be continued...

Bible Bee

How much Scripture do you know by heart? 2 verses? 20 verses? I can definitely now say that I don't have very much scripture memorized. Last Friday Mom turned on the first national Bible Bee (we listened online at their website). It was amazing to just sit and listen to all of these kids rattle off 20 verse passages.

It most certainly was an encouragement and fun to hear how much kids are capable of memorizing. I say kids, but the oldest were around my age or a year younger. Praise God for youth who are now encouraged to memorize scripture and keep it hidden in their heart!

Happy Reformation!

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and pow'r are great; and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he,
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for low his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly pow'rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill: God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.

Blessings

I was thinking the other day about blessings and how it is so easy to take them for granted. I automatically assume that I will go to work today. I presume to know that tomorrow will hold what I've planned. Too often I don't give credit to our awesome God for these special every day blessings that He showers down on us. The only reason I am able to go to the store like I planned is because God has blessed me in that area. This applies to other areas as well. We can take our family for granted as well. It can be pretty easy to just go everyday without thanking God for the family He put us in.

Those are just some simple everyday examples of blessings. Often those are hard. The big long term blessings are a little easier to spot. Blessings such as being able to go on a missionary trip, being blessing with children, or completing a college degree are easier to see. This doesn't mean we can overlook them though. We are a month and a half away from Thanksgiving. Do you stop and count your blessings more than just on that holiday? Do you ever think about how much God has blessed you with? I know I don't always. Lets remember to stop in the midst of all our business and thank God for all that He has given to us as His children.